Larry Shenk, Vice President of Alumni Relations, shares his notes, quotes and anecdotes from the world of baseball.

Gooch

Second baseman Tadahito Iguchi, known as “Gooch” to White Sox fans, has been a great acquisition for the Phillies. Don’t know were we would be without him. He has reached base (hit or walk) in all of 11 of his games since coming here.

He’s becoming a fan favorite, too. Earlier this week, there was a fan club that called itself “Tadahito’s Burritos.” That’s a strange combination but it works.

Last night a bunch of young ladies from Rosemont College had a sign in Japanese. Sorry, I don’t know what it said.

Fundamentals are really drilled and drilled in Japan and Iguchi is very fundamentally sound.

Branyan on BoardRyan Branyan was acquired earlier today to give the Phillies some pop off the bench. He also has some versatility in that he can play third, first and the outfield. He also has some post-season experience.

Vuk HonorThe Palm Restaurant at the Park Hyatt Hotel in center city unveiled a caricature of John Vukovich on their sports wall at noon today. Bonnie Vukovich, Vuk’s widow, and his two brothers, Rich and Bill, were there to take part in the brief ceremonies.

Vuk joins Tug McGraw, Greg Luzinski, John Kruk, Mike Schmidt, Darren Daulton, Larry Christenson and Harry Kalas on the wall. The Phillies have more representatives than the other pro teams in town.

The luncheon event was a great opening act for tomorrow night’s ceremonies in which Vuk will be inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame.

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